Dear Friends,

What can I say? It feels good to be back in the USA. I know many of you are wondering about my experience crossing the treacherous North Pacific—I assure you it was a challenge. I saw cloud formations I’d never seen in my life and saw winds shift from almost every direction, gusting to 80 knots (92 miles per hour). Thanks to the great teamwork with Universal Weather, I was able to shorten the distance by 100 miles, but the flight was definitely a greater challenge than the North Atlantic. Yet the same thing happened on this flight as on my North Atlantic crossing—God opened up a window between two low pressure storm systems. Visibility was very poor and the ride was a bit turbulent, but there was just enough visibility for me to land at Shemya. During this time of year it is normally zero/zero visibility, but God spared me one more time after I patiently waited in Japan for more than two weeks.  

Just when I thought I’d seen enough earthly beauty, Alaska offered a most exciting view from the sky. The weather was similar to crossing the North Pacific, but I was able to see a few inactive volcanoes and the beautiful coast and mountainous regions of Alaska about 260 miles south of Anchorage. It was beauty beyond words that lasted though the evening—sunset occurs there around midnight.

I’m now in Juneau, waiting for thunderstorms to pass through British Columbia. I’ll post more photos soon.

Dear Friends,

I want to take this moment to recognize my father on Father’s Day. I am grateful to have a caring father who has truly instilled great values in me and always made our family his top priority. I am fortunate to have such a loving father and hope that one day I can be as great a Dad as he is. Both my mom and dad always wanted the best for me and from me. I will NEVER forget the late nights my dad worked doing construction and every dollar sacrificed for my education.  Now that I am a man, I am truly grateful for every sacrifice they have made for me and my younger brothers. I wish I could be home with the family and I miss you all dearly. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!!!

Your Son,
Barrington

Dear Friends,

I finally made it safely to Shemya, Alaska after crossing the North Pacific. What an experience it was, with shifting winds, different layers and types of clouds, and the possibility of icing on the wings. It was critical to avoid the visible precipitation that can cause icing, which forms rapidly at near-freezing temperatures and high aircraft speed. There is no real way to describe the experience of that flight; I'm simply grateful to be on U.S. soil again.

It is very cold here in Shemya but I was given a warm reception when I arrived. The Air Force, which contracts this airfield, has been more than supportive of the Experience Aviation mission. They are the real heroes by graciously allowing me to stop in Shemya. I will forever be grateful. 

Dear Friends,

After developing a new strategy and receiving remarkable flight support from Universal Weather, I am now only 8 hours away from Shemya, Alaska by air. Currently I am in the mountains in an area called Nakashibetsu at the most northeastern airport in Japan.  It wasn't easy flying into this airport because on my first attempt, cloud levels dropped to 200 feet and I had to do a missed approach and divert back to Asahikawa. This is a dangerous area because of the mountainous terrain and it was quite an experience flying here, relying on instrument procedures and making a safe decision about landing.

As I patiently await a challenging crossing over the North Pacific, I am working closely with Universal Weather by watching the icing conditions, winds, as clouds as we decide on timing. I have also had time to read some of the articles and blogs written about my mission since I left Miami 10 weeks ago. Never would I have imagined that this flight would touch so many people--children, students, adults, and those who wish they could fly but aren't physically able. Experience Aviation has reached thousands and I am truly grateful. I only wish I had more resources to assist the many who want my help to achieve their own dreams in aviation.

Being here in the quiet countryside surrounded by rice fields has given me a chance to reflect before this next crossing and to thank God for bringing me this far. I am comforted knowing that many of you are praying for me. It is now that I realize this flight is only a preparation for the greater things I must do in life in order to help and inspire others.

Once I leave this area and go further North, I will be out of touch for a few days with no Internet access, but I will be home soon . . . !